Murray helps Hibees to Scottish Cup success

Chirnside’s Joelle Murray was in dreamland at the weekend after captaining Hibs Ladies to Scottish Cup glory.

The Hibees replicated their male counterparts’ achievement by winning the Scottish Cup 6-5 on penalties as the match against Glasgow City finished 1-1 after extra-time.

Lisa Robertson, who would miss the Capital side’s only spot-kick, had given her side a deserved lead with a well-placed header in the 23rd minute following a deep cross from full-back Claire Williamson.

However, Hayley Lauder equalised for the league champions with a curling effort into the far corner midway through the second half.

Hibs failed to capitalise on their superiority and, after Robertson had blasted the first penalty of the shoot-out over the bar, the trophy appeared to be heading to City.

But goalkeeper Jenna Fife thwarted goalscorer Lauder – City’s fourth penalty – to give Chris Roberts’ side a reprieve and they grasped the opportunity as Samantha Kerr produced a carbon copy of Robertson’s penalty with a wild effort that sailed over the bar to hand Hibs a precious victory. “I was there scribbling down some names hoping at least four or five were up for it but I then had to end up picking as I had ten players all wanting to take one,” said Roberts, who also guided his side to League Cup glory with a 2-1 win over City at Ainslie Park in June.

“I had girls disappointed they weren’t in the first five to step up. So that was a great help to tell you the truth and Jenna’s save was huge as she got us out of a hole.

“We’ve brought another Scottish Cup back to the club so I think it shows great progress.”